Research and analysis

Social mobility barometer poll results 2019

The public's attitude to social mobility in 2019.

From:
Social Mobility Commission
Published
21 January 2020

Applies to England

Documents

Social mobility barometer: public attitudes to social mobility in the UK, 2019 to 2020

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Barometer: social mobility 2019 to 2020

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Details

The poll shows:

  • that there is a stark social mobility regional divide - 31% of people in the north-east think that they are good opportunities for them to make progress compared with 74% of people in the south-east and 78% in London
  • 44% of people say that where you end up in society is largely determined by your background
  • 77% of people think there is a large gap between the social classes in Britain today
  • 50% of people from middle class backgrounds think their background gave them an advantage in their education compared to 22% of people from working class backgrounds
  • 30% of 18 to 24 year olds think that everyone in Britain today has a fair chance compared to 48% of those aged 65 and over
  • 50% of people think central government should be doing more to impact social mobility and to ensure opportunity for all whilst 38% thought local government should do more and 37% thought schools should do more

Social mobility is the link between a person’s occupation or income and the occupation or income of their parents. Where there is a strong link, there is a lower level of social mobility. Where there is a weak link, there is a higher level of social mobility.

Published 21 January 2020